StreetWise more than doubles fundraising goal

April 22, 2009 2:18:13 PM PDT

April 22, 2009 --

StreetWise has announced the results of fundraising efforts that will keep the paper alive. Donations have been pouring in since the publication announced that it would be forced to shut down without help.

Fewer people are buying it. And foundations have cut support.

StreetWise was founded in 1992. The paper is sold by about 200 vendors. Most of them are homeless, and for many, it's their only source of income.

One Chicago couple pledged $20,000, and hundreds of others are giving what they can.

The paper needed $75,600 to stay afloat. Officials announced on Wednesday they surpassed that goal in the last 10 days, raising more than $190,000 dollars.

"I want to thank the public for all their support in the Wrigleyville area. Without their help it won't be possible for me. It's been a lifesaver for me, a life raft that I needed to make it thru the ocean of time, stress and pain but I made it via StreetWise," said Roark Moody, StreetWise vendor.